KISSIMMEE, Fla., March 15, 2010 – In a competition that measures safety, skill and speed, linemen from Kissimmee Utility Authority bested teams from across the state on Saturday to take home the top prize at the Florida Municipal Electric Association’s 10th annual Florida Lineman’s Competition in Ocala.
Fifteen teams and 28 apprentices from municipal utilities throughout Florida gathered March 13 to compete in five timed events based on traditional lineman tasks and skills.
There are two levels of competition within the annual rodeo: journeyman teams and apprentice. The journeyman teams consist of three members – two climbers and a ground person. A qualified journeyman has more than four years of experience within the electric utility trade. An apprentice lineworker competes as an individual and has four or fewer years of experience.
Trophies were awarded to KUA in the following event categories:
Journeyman Team #104 – Aaron Haderle, Chris Ketner, David Wolfe
1st place – Overall Journeyman Team
1st place – 100-Amp Cutout Replacement
2nd place – Cross Arm Change Out
3rd place – 600-Amp Switch Replacement
3rd place – Vertical Hurtman Rescue
Journeyman Team #106 – Steve Bray, Dustin Kelley, Bob Viele
3rd place – 100-Amp Cutout Replacement
Apprentice #210 – Brent Davis
1st place – Obstacle Course
2nd place – Vertical Hurtman Rescue
Apprentice #213 – Billy White
4th place – Overall Apprentice
Apprentice #214 – Robert Diaz
5th place – Overall Apprentice
1st place – Street Light Head Change
Compete rodeo results are available online at http://publicpower.com.
One journeyman team and two apprentices will represent KUA in the American Public Power Association’s annual Public Power Lineworkers’ Rodeo on March 26-27 in Omaha, Neb.
Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in five Central Florida counties.
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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com
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